God the Father shared His love of children with Jesus. Jesus only
does what he sees the Father doing. In the Bible, the mothers
brought their children to be blessed by Jesus. And when the
disciples saw this, they tried to send the children away. But Jesus
said, "Let the little children come to me". Jesus loved the
children. He taught the children and He blessed the children.
Jesus welcomes children to come to Him. He is
eager and waiting for children to come and be blessed.

Mark 10:14 But
when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them,
ďSuffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not:
for of such is the kingdom of God.Ē King James

Mark 10:16 And he
took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed
them. King James

Luke 18:17 Verily
I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a
little child shall in no wise enter therein. Another time, Jesus
stood a child in the middle of the disciples and said ďyou must be
like this little child to enter the kingdom of heavenĒ. King James

Jesus desires that ALL are saved. He doesnít state
that you must be a certain age before you can understand and accept
the truth of who He is and what He has done for you. Because God is
Spirit and we also are spiritual beings, God is able to communicate
with us - Spirit to spirit. Young children understand that they have
done wrong. Even a toddler knows and understands the word "no" and
the consequences of disobedience. They are also able to know and
joyfully express love and caring. Even before they may "understand"
the Gospel message in their minds, they know and respond to Jesus in
their spirits. A small child who talks with Jesus and expresses an
age appropriate knowledge of God is part of Godís family.

Children need frequent opportunities to hear and
respond to the Gospel message. Adults also need to be challenged to
go deeper and grow closer to Jesus. Start with a simple prayer that
acknowledges Jesus as the Son of God, who came to earth to take our
punishment for sin. Include that He died and was brought back to
life by God the Father through the working of the Holy Spirit. Then
ask Him to live IN us and through us. This will give children the
opportunity to continually renew and grow in their Christian walk.
By continually offering this simple prayer,
children will be not only believers in Jesus, but grow into
disciples. Young children two to four years old can confess
Jesus and express a true relationship with Jesus.

When I was four years old, I expressed a belief in
Jesus. I was baptized as an infant and the power of the Holy Spirit,
acting in my life, revealed and drew me to Jesus. Children who have
entered into the New Covenant relationship with Jesus through
Baptism can participate in the blessings of that relationship.
Jesusí baptism was an incredible moment. The Spirit descended like a
dove and the Father declared that Jesus was His Son.

Matthew 3:16-17 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up
straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto
him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and
lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my
beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. King James

While our baptisms may not contain these kinds of
spectacular events, something powerful happens when someone is
baptized. It is God who does that amazing thing. Baptism establishes
our identity. It leaves the mark of Jesus on us. Through baptism we
identify with the New Covenant that was established in the death and
resurrection of Jesus. God desires that all Christians go through
the waters of baptism as part of their life long journey. Among
Jesusí last words is a command to include baptism in the making of
disciples.

Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost: King James

God is a miracle-working God, and nothing is
impossible with Him. Do not discount the commitment that young
believers make. Children who confess Jesus, who have not already
been baptized, should be brought to baptism soon. There is no reason
to wait until the child is older. Acknowledge this amazing
transformation in the child and celebrate Godís faithfulness to draw
all of us to Himself. Jesus is waiting to bless the children. And
all of heaven rejoices when one person comes to Jesus.

Jesus says that the kingdom of heaven belongs to
children. We must have the open trust of a small child in order to
see and hear Jesus. Children come willingly. They donít consider all
of the "what ifs" and the "whys". They just accept that Jesus is
their Lord and Savior.

Sometimes adults think that children canít
understand the Gospel message until they reach a certain age or
stage of life. But Jesus says that the very little children are
given mouths to praise Him and proclaim who He is. In this world we
"learn" how to doubt and how to question. We need to accept that
young children just know and believe. Children can see and hear
Jesus and can praise and worship and love their Savior and their
Father in heaven. I have seen children just old enough to walk,
caught up in worship. When I asked one little girl, about two years
old, what Jesus was showing her, she responded "Colors!" There was a
look of pure joy and peace on her face. I have no doubt that the
Holy Spirit was revealing Jesus to her in a way that she could
understand.

Children learn to recognize their mother and father
almost from birth. A newborn will turn towards the voice of their
parents. In the same way, young children can learn and respond to
the voice and the presence of their heavenly father. The mistake has
been waiting to teach the children until they are "older". Many
children are excluded from the worship services. Then sadly, after
these children have learned to question and doubt, we try to get
them to understand spiritual matters. Donít pass by the window of
opportunity in the lives of children. Welcome even newborns and
infants into the church family - into every part of every service.
Ask Jesus to come and bless the children in the worship service.
Seek His direction for your assembly so that the children are
blessed. Jesus did what he saw His father doing - that was to bless
and welcome the children. And we need to do what Jesus did.

Matthew 18:3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be
converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into
the kingdom of heaven. King James

Matthew 21:16 And said unto him, Hear thou what these say? And
Jesus said unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of
babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise? King James

Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O
Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things
from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. King
James

Some have a fear that children will be a distraction for the
adults in worship. In my experience when the presence of the Lord is
welcomed in an assembly, the children respond to the Lord. When the
children are part of worship and feel welcomed and included, they
are not a distraction. The Biblical pattern of worship includes the
children. There was no thought to separate them from the assembly.
They were present for the singing, they were present for the reading
of the Holy Scriptures and they were present for the teachings. When
there was a fast proclaimed, the children fasted. In 2 Chronicles
chapter twenty, ALL Judah includes the children. (See 2
Chronicles 20:13 below)

2 Chronicles 20:3
And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and
proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. King James

On Palm Sunday when Jesus was proclaimed and
worshipped as King, the children sang and praised him. We know
children were present when Jesus was teaching the people. He called
the children to come and be blessed.

Children need to be included in all of
the worship. They need to be in the presence of God to learn to hear
His voice. And the adults need the children in worship so that all
that the Lord has for the assembly will come to pass.

Children are listening and hear as scripture is read
and the word preached. It may appear as if the children are not
listening, but that is not always the case. Some may think that the
children will not understand - that the words are above their
understanding. But the Holy Spirit brings revelation of the word
even to children. My own son, when he was just 5 years old,
surprised our family by recounting, at the dinner table, a large
portion of the sermon and scripture readings from church that
morning. Sometimes that child-like simplicity will make a difficult
topic, more clear to the adults.

Josiah
8:35 There was not a word of all that Moses commanded, which Joshua
read not before all the congregation of Israel, with the women, and
the little ones, and the strangers that were conversant among them.
King James

2
Chronicles 20:13 And all Judah stood before the Lord, with their
little ones, their wives, and their children. King James

Nehemiah 12:43 Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and
rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives
also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was
heard even afar off. King James

Matthew 21:15 And when the chief priests and scribes saw the
wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple,
and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased,
King James

Psalms
8:2 Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained
strength because of thy enemies, that thou might still the enemy and
the avenger. King James

God has set up the family as his perfect picture for
us. He is the head of the body - of the family - of the church. The
father is the head of the individual family. And children are a
vital part of the family. God placed Jesus in a family when he was
born on this earth. Jesus was with his family as a very young child
when the wise men arrived to bring him gifts and worship him. Jesus
was part of his community and as a 12 year old accompanied his
mother and father to a festival in Jerusalem. And while he was
there, the teachers and leaders received him and listened to him.

Parents have a responsibility, along with the
Pastors and leaders of the church to help children learn and grow in
their relationship with God. From birth, parents should be praying
with and for their children. Even babies should be brought into
worship. They should be exposed to songs, hymns and spiritual songs.
Children should hear scripture read and have passages explained to
them. Children should hear Bible stories and learn about how God has
worked since creation. In this way, parents are fulfilling the
direction of scripture to teach the Laws of God to their children.
This does not mean that all learning takes place in a formal
setting. In Deuteronomy 11:19 parents are reminded to be always
speaking about the commands of God to their children - when they are
in the house, walking on the road, at daytime and at nighttime.
Remember to ask Jesus to empower you to share with your children.
The Holy Spirit will give you the right words at the right time for
each of your children.

Deuteronomy 11:19 And ye shall teach them your children, speaking
of them when thou sits in thy house, and when thou walks by the way,
when thou lies down, and when thou rises up. King James

When we share a Bible story or thought with our
children, we need to help them make sense out of it. Sometimes this
means praying and asking the Lord to bring understanding.

It is acceptable to let your children know that
YOU donít have every answer and
donít understand every passage. Pray together and let the Lord speak
to you or your childto bring
the revelation needed in each situation.

Just as learning in a family does not all happen in
a formal setting, neither will all
learning in church happen in a formal setting. There is certainly a
time and place for age-appropriate education in a classroom setting.
But this imparting of knowledge should not replace the Spirit
inspired learning that happens when every part of the family is
gathered together in worship, prayer and teaching. God calls us to
seek balance in all areas of our life. And there needs to be a
balance in the times of education, training and equipping of our
children. Sunday School time should never replace corporate worship.
Everyone - adults and children alike - need times of classroom
instruction. And everyone - adults and children alike - need
corporate worship. Every effort should be made to schedule education
at different times than the regular worship. Sunday mornings should
include time for everyone - including children - to worship together
and hear the Word of God proclaimed as well as time for
age-appropriate learning. It has only been in the last few decades
that it has become acceptable to separate the children and exclude
them from the main worship service. This is not the Biblical model
and does not follow the direction of Jesus when he called the
children to come to him.

The times of education for the
children need to be meaningful times led by people who understand
how God uses children. The times of teaching and training
for children should always include prayer and provide teaching that
uses all the senses. Some children learn best by hearing a message.
Some learn best by seeing pictures or a dramatic presentation. Some
need to be able to touch objects related to the story to remember
the message given. Children also learn from other children. Provide
times for children to share a favorite Bible story or passage and
then explain to the group why this is important to them.

A solid program for the
children should include

Bible stories, verses and memorization.

Prayer - with and for others.

Modeling of the Gifts/Fruit of the Spirit by the leaders and
teachers.

Testimony and sharing.

Application of Bible themes to the childrenís life.

Since God has a divine design for our children, he
will appoint and anoint servants in the body to carry out this
important ministry. Sometimes the "best" teachers are reserved for
the adults or the older youth in a fellowship.
The most important part of filling the teaching positions in a
childrenís program is discovering who the Lord has called for this
purpose. Pray and seek the Lord for His best for these
positions. If there are volunteers who are willing to serve but may
be doing so out of a sense of obligation, pray with them and ask
them to seek the Lord about this task. Encourage and educate them in
Godís plan for children. And trust that the Lord will either change
their heart for the job or bring forth another volunteer. Donít be
willing to settle for less than the best educational model for your
children.

Children hear and respond to the voice and the
presence of God. John the Baptist leapt in the womb of his mother,
Elizabeth, when Mary, pregnant with Jesus was present. Samuel, while
still a very small boy, heard the Lord call his name. God has a plan
and a purpose for each person. This destiny begins when we are
shaped in our motherís womb. God knows us and has plans and purposes
for each life.

In the Old Testament, Hannah was a Godly woman who
cried out to God for a child. After many years she promised God that
if she were to have a child, she would give that child to His
service. Samuel was born after this prayer and when he was old
enough - just weaned - Hannah brought Samuel to Eli the Priest so
that he could be trained. Samuel heard God call his name. Eli tells
him to respond to God and say, "Yes Lord, here I am". Eli did not
tell Samuel to wait until he was older to respond to God. He was a
young child and he heard the voice of God. God had a plan and a
purpose for Samuelís life. That plan and purpose began before he was
born. Eli was blessed through Samuel. The people of Israel were
blessed through Samuel. We are blessed through the story of Samuel
that is told in Scripture. Children need to be encouraged to respond
to the presence and the voice of the Lord. There should be an
expectation for all present in the assembly to recognize and respond
as the Lord brings forth His Word and His Gifts. As the adults
respond and share, this provides an example and the children will
follow. Those in leadership need to be sensitive and open to Godís
plan to use children. And as children begin to express the things
God is saying to them, the leaders should welcome all that the Lord
is bringing forth.

When God speaks to children,
He will give them the wisdom to act on his Word.
David was a young boy when he was called to fight Goliath. He had
been left at home, too young to go to battle. Yet God called him to
fight the biggest enemy of his people.
Davidís determination was the faith of a child. He knew
that he was weak and small and young, and he also knew that his God
was a big God who would protect him and destroy his enemies. When
Saul tried to get him to use his weapons and armor, it was just a
hindrance to David. David knew that he just needed to rely on God
and use what God had given to him.Children
do not have to be "clothed" in the ways of the adults in order to
serve God.
"Formulas" or "programs" are not needed for children to do the work
of the kingdom. David used clothes and tools and weapons that were
familiar to him. He didnít try to fight the battle in the style and
ways of the adults. He did what God told him to do. David told Saul
that he had seen God act on his behalf many times in the past and
God has always protected him. So David does what comes naturally to
him. With Godís wisdom he selects the proper weapon to fight this
specific battle. David had wisdom and discernment to overcome the
enemy of God. Listen carefully to the
children when they bring forth an idea or a plan from the Lord.
Sometimes the method or the tools they choose may seem unusual, but
we must trust the Lord. Children will use what is familiar to them,
to do the work of the Lord.

Children are not limited by
what is "possible" and respond to the Lord with faith.In the New Testament story of the feeding of the 5000, it is
a young boy that saves the day. The disciples are looking for a
physical way to feed all of the people. But a young boy with a small
lunch has great faith. He offers to Jesus all that he has. He
doesnít try to figure out how one small lunch will help feed so many
people. He doesnít decide that it would look silly to expect Jesus
to want his gift. Instead, he responds to the question of Jesus when
he asks what there is to give to the people. Jesus was able to bless
the entire group assembled that day through the offering of one
child.

Consider the proposals of children. Sometimes the
ideas will seem outlandish at first, but remember the story of the
boy with the lunch and David and Goliath. Davidís plan included only
five smooth stones to fight a giant. Most children will not argue
with God when he speaks an idea or plan to them. Their faith knows
that God is big enough to take care of anything. The children will
fight using ways that may seem small and ordinary.
This generation of children needs to have the wisdom and the
discernment of the Lord to fight the evil in the world today.
Remember that a faith-filled child following Godís call, empowered
by the Spirit, can destroy any enemy and feed an army.

In Scripture there are shepherds, fisherman,
farmers, priests, carpenters and much more. In fact there is
representation of the variety of professions and skills and gifts
that God has planned for humankind. Godís call and destiny and plan
for each child may be revealed, even when this call doesnít
represent what the parents or the leaders expect. This unique and
special design of the Lord may be revealed in very young children.

David was the youngest brother in his family,
tending sheep on the hillside when Samuel came in search of the next
King. Each of the older boys was rejected and Samuel refused to
leave the place to which God had sent him until God had revealed to
him the one to anoint. David did not seek this call, but God had a
plan and a purpose for his life that began before he was born. In
Psalm 139, David acknowledges that God knew him when he was knit
together in his motherís womb. Davidís father did not expect his
youngest to be the one. As a matter of fact, David was somewhat
forgotten out on the hillside.

1
Samuel 16:11 And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children?
And he said, There remains yet the youngest, and, behold, he keeps
the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we
will not sit down till he come hither.

1
Samuel 16:12 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and
withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the
Lord said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.

1
Samuel 16:13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in
the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the Lord came upon
David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.
King James

This passage of the Bible is a reminder to us to listen to the
prophetic voices as they call forth the children. The Lord wants to
anoint and bless the children into their callings. The children will
not usually come forward and ask to be recognized. The adults should
be expectant and open for the Lord to reveal the various callings
for all of the children. It is the responsibility of the Pastors and
the leaders of the church to act when the Lord speaks His calling
for a child. The children should be anointed and blessed by the
leaders and the assembly. The intercessors of the church should pray
for and support these children. There are prophets, apostles,
pastors, evangelists, and teachers among the children. There are
intercessors and healers and missionaries and leaders. Donít wait.
Bring forth the gifts and talents that God has given now! Jesus was
only twelve years old when he was teaching in the temple. And Jesus
said that we would do even greater things than he did.

John 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me,
the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these
shall he do; because I go unto my Father. King James

Prayer is a vital part of Godís plan for all of us - including
the children. Children are taught to memorize table prayers, or
bedtime prayers or even the Lordís Prayer. But prayer is
conversation and that must include listening to and responding to
the Lord. The most basic prayer in the Bible is simply "Abba"! It is
a cry to our daddy, to our heavenly father. Certainly even the
youngest child can utter this word.

Young children instinctively pray what is on their
hearts. They are not afraid or ashamed to talk to Jesus about what
is bothering them or what they donít understand. Children often pour
out thanksgiving for the small things that the adults take for
granted. They have not learned to "think" about what to say or to
plan out their prayers. They know the simplicity of just talking
with their friend, Jesus. It isnít until the children grow older
that they begin to seek the approval of the adults around them or
even their own peer group and then begin to "think" about how to
pray. This is another area where there is a window of opportunity.
Children just learning to talk, at the age of 2 to 3 years, should
be encouraged to pray out loud. The mothers and fathers, sisters and
brothers, Pastors and leaders should all be praying, out loud, with
and for these young children.

Parents should be praying WITH
their children, not just FOR their children. Pastors should be
praying WITH the children, not just FOR the children. And during
this prayer time the children should be encouraged to also pray. The
children need to hear their parents praying a blessing for them.

Children should be encouraged to pray for each
other. Time should be given for each child to pray with their
brothers, sisters or friends. Remind the children to bless each
other and to bring their needs to each other. Children can be
powerful intercessors. Often children understand better than adults
that prayer - conversation with Jesus - can happen anywhere and at
anytime. Children engaged in play, can be heard talking with Jesus.

Because children have a pure faith and hear the
voice of Jesus, they can pray "in the Spirit" with great ease. Often
children will know what and how to pray for a complex situation,
simply because they donít THINK! Many families and churches miss out
on blessings from God because they donít welcome the prayers of
their young children.

Ask your children to tell you
what Jesus is speaking to them. Let them respond to His word. Bless
what the Lord is doing in them. Ask your children to pray a blessing
for you. Jesus hears and honors the prayers of children.

Recently I heard this testimony from a woman, who
prayed with her 5 year old son and asked Jesus to bless him. She
asked her son what Jesus was speaking to him. The 5 year old said
that Jesus had told him that they should not worry about paying for
his education. The mother knew that this was Jesus speaking to her
son. The boy had no idea that his mother and father had been
concerned about how to pay for his schooling. If this mother had not
asked her son to tell her what he was hearing from the Lord, she
would have missed the blessing and the assurance of knowing that
Jesus was taking care of her family. Her testimony also included her
intention to include her children in every worship service. She now
understood that Jesus speaks to children and will use them to bless
others.

It is very important that children hear praise
reports of answered prayer. And it is important to allow the
children to share when even their smallest prayers are answered.

Children respond to a personal testimony. We all
respond to personal testimony. When someone shares a story of
answered prayer or a Spiritual encounter with Jesus, it moves
children to also share. Times of testimony in a church service help
to stimulate children to expect Jesus to act in and through them.
This is the beginning of evangelism. It provides a base for the Lord
to build on as the child grows, so that he or she is prepared to
tell the Gospel story to someone else. Children need encouragement
to share.

Hearing the testimony of adults gives the children a
remembrance of Godís past activity. We have the Bible that
originated because verbal stories were written down. Children will
often bring to mind testimonies they have heard and speak about the
times God acted. God is pleased with our testimony. Scripture tells
us in Malachi that God remembers those who offer testimony to Him.
As we talk with one another and as our children talk about the Lord,
He is blessed and more glory is given unto Him.

Malachi 3:16 Then they that feared the Lord spoke often one to
another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of
remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord,
and that thought upon his name. King James

Acts 4:20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and
heard. King James

Acts 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to
all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
King James

The Holy Spirit is promised to ALL who will accept
and believe in Jesus. There is no "correct" age to be filled with
the fullness of the Holy Spirit. The Bible tells us in 2 Timothy
3:15 that Timothy knew the Scriptures from infancy. It was this
knowledge of Godís word that brought faith and salvation to him.

2
Timothy 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy
scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through
faith which is in Christ Jesus. King James

Children need the power and
working of the Holy Spirit in their lives in order to face the
trials and temptations of this world. Because of the many
advances in technology (television, radio, internet, videogames,
etc), even young children have seen and heard much evil.

The active presence of the
Holy Spirit within them will preserve this generation.The Lord has so much for these children to do. They need to
be reaching out in authority to their peers and sharing the good
news of salvation. We need this army of young children to stand
against the ways of Satan and to capture and hold on to their
friends and family. My daughter, filled with the Spirit, began to
pray for her friends, while she was still a child. Through her
prayers, her witness and her wisdom from the Lord, many children,
teens and adults are a part of the kingdom today. There is
increasing darkness coming in these days in the world. God is not
surprised by this. This is part of His eternal plan. And it is part
of that plan that His kingdom will increase to overcome the
darkness. Part of that increase is children
being filled and empowered by the Holy Spirit at a younger age, so
that they can bring more light into the darkness of the world around
them.

Isaiah 9:7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall
be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order
it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from
henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform
this. King James

In the story of Joseph and his family, God uses
dreams and visions to speak to a young boy. In fact, Joseph was the
youngest of all the brothers. God revealed to Joseph his future
destiny. Joseph did not understand this dream as a child, but
through out scripture we can see how powerfully this dream impacted
him. He did not lose sight of this dream, even when betrayed by his
brothers, even when sold into slavery or when he was tempted by the
wife of Potiphar.
When God gives a dream or a vision , there is
the grace poured out to hold on to that dream.Many years later, Joseph understood that he was to save his
entire family from a famine. Only God could have arranged the
circumstances of his life to make this dream come true. And it was
the power of God, working in Joseph that kept his faith strong until
the dream had been fulfilled.

When I was four years old, I had a vivid dream. In
my dream I was walking with Jesus in a beautiful garden. It was
bright and wonderful, filled with flowers and trees. Jesus and I
were on a long path, and he was holding my hand. He explained the
story of his death and resurrection to me, in a way that I could
understand. God has given me grace to not only recall this dream,
but to actually remember the feeling of his hand holding mine.
During difficult times in my life, I have found great comfort in the
memory of this dream and the reality that Jesus is walking right
beside me on this path of life, and he will never let go of my hand.
This was not just a silly dream of a young child. This was a
powerful word from the Lord that will continue to impact my life.

Children need to be encouraged
to share the dreams and visions that the Lord has given to them.
They also need to be reminded that many times these dreams and
visions are not completed for many years. It is good to record
dreams, visions and words from the Lord so that you may refer back
to them and be reminded to hold on to the things that the Lord has
given. Children should be reminded to pray that the Lord would bring
this vision or dream to pass.

There is power in the remembrance of Godís
faithfulness to us. If answered prayers and words from the Lord are
written down, they will continue to bless us and also future
generations. The Lord may bring revelation to a dream or a vision as
we ponder it over time through our journals. Some say that writing
is a lost art, with the computer becoming more and more available.
The method of recording is not important, but rather it is the
recording that matters. Whether it is words written on the pages of
a notebook, or typed into a computer file, it is the preservation of
the memory of the work of the Lord that is important.

This is another area that children will respond to
the modeling of their parents. If they see Mom or Dad journaling or
hear recounted answered prayers from a family journal, they will be
encouraged to journal themselves. A first journal may be a simple
notebook with drawings. The child may describe the drawing and the
parent can record the words. Or the journal may be just simple
phrases or symbols. Allow the child to share with you from their
journal. Encourage the verbal storytelling that can come from this.
Remind your child to write down the things that he or she hears
Jesus speak. Make sure that children understand that there is no
right or wrong way to journal. The idea is to have a record of the
work of the Lord.

These simple books can become priceless treasures as
the years pass. I have been journaling for over 15 years. I have
been amazed and delighted when I search through my journals. These
past words and prayers have encouraged me to preserver in tough
situations, reminded me of Godís faithfulness, and given me strength
and boldness to walk out the plan and purpose He has for my life.
Many of the books of the Bible were actually journals. The Psalms
were Davidís conversations with God and recounting the workings of
the Lord in his life.

Much focus is placed on youth and youth ministry.
Yet, if the churches were building a strong and solid foundation for
the youngest child in the body, the youth ministry would be
happening and the youth would be leading this ministry.

Children who have a personal
relationship with Jesus and are taught to hear and respond to the
voice of Jesus, who are encouraged to share, who are filled with the
Spirit, and empowered to serve, can change the entire dynamic of a
church family.

These are the children who can walk boldly into
their world - the schools, the playgrounds and the sports fields -
and bring others into the kingdom.

Welcome every infant and child into active participation in worship
services.

Lord Jesus, help me to welcome all of your body into my places of
worship, even the youngest child. Jesus, give me a heart that is
open to your emotions and your desire to welcome the children.
Remind me that I am your child. And give me faith to worship as a
child.

Educate and support parents as they train their children at home.

Father, you are the creator God that established the family. Teach
me to reach out and help my neighbors, friends and relatives as they
train up their children. Give me your compassion, Lord, for mothers
and fathers as they raise their children. Thank you, Jesus, for the
family that you gave to me and for my own mother and father. Thank
you for all of the mothers and the fathers, Lord.

Train and equip the children in Scripture, a relationship with Jesus
and being filled with the Holy Spirit.

Holy Spirit, be real in my life so that I can share Jesus boldly
with all those I am in contact with- even young children. Give me
courage to speak forth the Gospel message and the wisdom to choose
the correct words at the right time for each person and situation.
Holy Spirit, bring to my mind a Scripture in season. Father, you
are responsible for drawing all people to Jesus. Draw the children
into a personal relationship with your Son.

Pray with and for the parents and children.

Lord Jesus, you taught us how to pray. Give me grace to speak forth
my concerns and my fears to you. Help me to be able to stand with
others, as together, we come before your throne. Remind me Jesus,
that you donít care about the words, but you know my heart. Give me
your heart for the children so that they will be blessed. Thank you
Jesus, for the children.

Encourage children to hear and respond to the voice of Jesus.

Father, thank you that you are speaking from heaven. Jesus, thank
you that you did not leave us, but you sent the Holy Spirit to be
with us and live in us. Jesus, help me to hear your Word, as you
speak to my spirit. Remind me to answer, ďHere I am LordĒ. Give me
power to encourage others, especially children, to recognize and
respond to your voice.

Listen to and respond to the ideas, thoughts and plans of the
children.

Father, you are an amazing creative God and you bless us with the
ability to think and plan. Lord, give me grace to listen to the
suggestions of the children. Remind me that you have given some
powerful examples in the Bible, of little children who carried out
your great plans. Forgive me, Jesus, for any pride that may cause
me to discount the ideas of children. Lord, help me to be the
encourager that you desire.

Expect and accept and bless the calling, gifts, and anointing on the
children.

Lord God, thank you that you have a plan and a purpose for me.
Thank you that you knew me even before I was born. Lord I accept
the gifts that you have given to me. Help me to walk out the path
you have placed before me. Jesus, thank you that you called the
little children to come to you. Reveal your specific plan for each
child. Bring revelation to those around the children so that they
can be supported and trained as they grow into the places you would
have for them. Lord, help me to bless what you are doing in the
children around me.

Provide modeling of worship, prayer and journaling, and testimony
for the children to follow.

Jesus, thank you for giving us a community. Your plan provides for
support and encouragement for us from those around. Lord Jesus,
help me to be a faithful witness for you. Give me courage to
worship, focused on you alone. Give me boldness to pray with
confidence. Help me share with those around me your unfailing love
and faithfulness. Let me be an example to the children you place
around me in my community.

Rich and Kay Fick are the directors of Cyrus
Ministries International. God has anointed and called them to ministry.
Rich, an ex-alcoholic, has personally experienced Godís love,
forgiveness, power, healing and restoration. Their ministry involves
helping others come out of their spiritual, emotional, mental and
physical bondages into the fullness of the Holy Spirit, enabling them to
know and live in Godís plan and purposes for them.

They minister to individuals, equip churches for
ministry, and disciple other in breaking down spiritual bondages over
individuals, families, generations, communities, and nations.

Their calling and vision is to see Godís people
living in the spiritual presence and reality of Godís heavenly kingdom
as Jesus manifests His life into them and through them on the earth.Their ministry has taken them to many U.S. locations as well as to
Mexico, Ecuador, Israel, India, Romania, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda and
South Africa as well as Bolivia. They have been commissioned by Faith
Lutheran Church, Geneva, Illinois.

The ministry to children has been born out of Godís
heart to reach out and touch children and to use them for His glory to
further His kingdom. God called Lyn Rowley into Cyrus Ministries in
1991. Through teachings, prayer and ministry the call of God on her life
to reveal His heart for children has come forth. This call was to allow
Him to speak and act in and through the children.